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"We still have work": Max Verstappen warns Red Bull fans not to get carried away after dominant Japanese Grand Prix win

"We still have work": Max Verstappen warns Red Bull fans not to get carried away after dominant Japanese Grand Prix win

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 10, 2025, 10:25 IST

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Max Verstappen heads into the Bahrain Grand Prix with cautious optimism despite a dominant win in Japan. While the Suzuka victory boosted Red Bull’s morale, Verstappen admits the RB21 still needs improvement, especially in tyre management. Trailing Lando Norris by just one point, Verstappen remains focused on consistency and maximizing performance in Bahrain’s challenging conditions.

"We still have work": Max Verstappen warns Red Bull fans not to get carried away after dominant Japanese Grand Prix win

Credit: Formula 1

Max Verstappen may be heading into the Bahrain Grand Prix with momentum, but the four-time Formula 1 world champion remains grounded in his expectations. Following a commanding win in Japan, Verstappen has made it clear that challenges still lie ahead for Red Bull Racing as they prepare for the technical and physically demanding Bahrain International Circuit.

Max Verstappen holds back title talk after Japan win, says Red Bull still searching for full form

The reigning champion’s recent victory at Suzuka not only marked his fourth consecutive win at the iconic venue but also served as a fitting farewell for Honda, Red Bull’s long-time power unit partner. "To win in Japan was an amazing moment for the Team and a perfect send off for Honda, who we have had such a great relationship and a lot of success with over the years," Verstappen reflected, appreciating the emotional weight of the triumph. While the win was a strong morale booster, he remains realistic about what lies ahead. "It was a good boost for the Team and now we can hopefully go into this week with a bit more confidence."

Despite his stellar form, Verstappen doesn’t shy away from admitting Red Bull’s RB21 still needs significant work. Tyre management and race pace continue to be areas of concern, particularly with Bahrain’s abrasive surface and hot night conditions adding complexity. "Bahrain is typically somewhere where we have gone well... but I think it will be a tough race for us," Verstappen warned, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the upcoming race.
Behind the scenes, Red Bull has struggled to unlock the full potential of the RB21, with rookie Liam Lawson's difficulties further highlighting the car's unforgiving setup. Verstappen remains vocal about the team's need for progress, saying, "There are still things to improve on the car... hopefully we can maximise the performance of the car as best we can."
"Bahrain �?completely different track, very tough on tyres, tyres overheating as well. We still have work to do. But it does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there."

Though Verstappen trails current championship leader Lando Norris by just one point�?1 to 62—he knows consistency and technical refinement will be key to taking the lead and sustaining a title run. "It does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there," he noted. "But from our side, we want to be better than just sometimes being up there."
As the F1 calendar shifts to Bahrain, Verstappen’s balanced outlook—one part confidence, one part caution—reflects a champion who knows that success isn't guaranteed, even after dominant wins. For Max Verstappen, Bahrain presents a new test—not just of speed, but of how much Red Bull has truly evolved since Suzuka.
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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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